seen a well-known figure. Tinker Tom was coming along the road with his
pack on his back.

When the tinker came to the house, Sandy's mother told him about Rover.

"You may keep him and welcome," said the tinker, "if you will give me
something to eat."

So a good, hot dinner was spread for him, and at last he went away with
his pack on his back. When he had been gone a long time and it was quite
dark, Rover appeared. He came in looking pleased and proud, as if he had
done some very wise thing. He said as plainly as he could, "Am I not a
clever dog?"

You may be sure that Sandy and Jessie were glad to see him again and to
know that now nobody could take him away.



ROVER LEARNS TO BE USEFUL.


Sandy's father was a poor man who had charge of a large flock of sheep.
In summer he led them from one feeding-place to another over the high
hills. Often he was away for many days at a time. In winter the sheep
were kept near the cottage and fed with food which had been laid up for
them in the autumn. The sheep did not belong to Sandy's father, but he
took the best possible care of them.

[Illustration: Caption: "Rover learns to be useful." Group of sheep